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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir I have investing right now Parag Parikh flexi cap 2k,Nifty Total Market Index Fund 2k,ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund 1K,Nippon India Small Cap 1k,Tata Digital fund 500.Request your advice am I right in track for investing MF.

Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to investing in mutual funds. Let's review your current portfolio and provide some insights:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: This fund offers diversification across market segments and has a flexible investment approach. It's a good choice for long-term growth potential.
Nifty Total Market Index Fund: Investing in an index fund provides broad market exposure and low expense ratios. It's suitable for passive investors seeking market returns.
ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund: This fund invests across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, providing diversification and potential for higher returns. It complements your portfolio well.
Nippon India Small Cap: Small-cap funds have the potential for high growth but come with higher volatility. Ensure you're comfortable with the risk associated with this fund.
Tata Digital Fund: Investing in thematic funds like digital funds can offer exposure to high-growth sectors. However, they tend to be more volatile and may not suit all investors.
Overall, your portfolio seems well-diversified across market segments and investment styles. However, it's essential to regularly review your investments, monitor fund performance, and adjust your portfolio as needed based on changes in your financial goals and market conditions.

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can help ensure that your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial objectives and risk tolerance.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 27, 2023Hindi
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SIR, I am investing 12000/-pm from April 23 , in following MFs. 1.Nippon India small cap @2000/- 2.Axis small cap fund direct growth @1000/- 3.SBI Magnum Mid cap@2000/- 4.Nippon india growth direct fund @1000/- 5.HDFC index S&P BSE sensex direct @2000/- 6.SBI Bluechip direct plan growth @2000/- 7.ICICI prudential bluechip @2000/- Plan for investment is 5 Yrs for a required wealth of 25 Lacs, please advice whether I am on right track.
Ans: Your investment plan seems diversified with allocations across different types of mutual funds, including small-cap, mid-cap, index funds, and large-cap funds. Here are some key points to consider:

Diversification: You have spread your investments across various categories, which can help reduce risk and enhance potential returns over the long term.

Investment Horizon: Investing for a period of 5 years is a good approach, but ensure that your investment horizon aligns with your financial goals. Since equity investments can be volatile in the short term, it's essential to stay invested for the long term to ride out market fluctuations.

Risk Assessment: Small-cap and mid-cap funds tend to be riskier than large-cap and index funds due to their higher volatility. Make sure you are comfortable with the risk level associated with these investments based on your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments if needed. Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to maintain your desired asset allocation and risk level.

Professional Advice: If you're uncertain about your investment strategy or need personalized guidance, consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide tailored recommendations based on your financial situation and goals.

Overall, your investment plan appears to be on the right track, but it's crucial to monitor your investments regularly and stay informed about market developments. Adjust your strategy as needed to stay on course towards achieving your wealth accumulation goal of 25 lakhs in 5 years.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 2024

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

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I have recently started investing in below MFs and will continue for the next 20 years. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap -- 30k Axis Small Cap -- 35k Kotak Emerging Equity -- 35k Please advise if my investments are on right track.
Ans: Assessment of Mutual Fund Investments and Recommendations:

Your decision to invest in mutual funds reflects a proactive approach towards building long-term wealth. Let's evaluate your current investment strategy and provide recommendations to ensure you are on the right track.

Current Investment Analysis:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: Investing Rs. 30,000 per month in a flexi cap fund like Parag Parikh reflects a balanced approach, allowing exposure to companies across market capitalizations. Flexi cap funds offer flexibility to capitalize on opportunities across market segments, potentially enhancing returns.

Axis Small Cap: Allocating Rs. 35,000 per month to a small-cap fund like Axis Small Cap indicates a willingness to take on higher risk for potentially higher returns. Small-cap funds have the potential for significant growth but also carry higher volatility due to exposure to smaller companies.

Kotak Emerging Equity: Investing Rs. 35,000 monthly in an emerging equity fund like Kotak Emerging Equity aligns with a strategy focused on capitalizing on growth opportunities in emerging sectors and companies. These funds invest in stocks of companies with potential for rapid growth, albeit with higher risk.

Recommendations:

Diversification: While your current investment strategy displays a focused approach, it's essential to ensure adequate diversification across fund categories. Consider diversifying into other categories such as large-cap, multi-cap, or thematic funds to spread risk and capture opportunities across different market segments.

Risk Management: Given the higher risk associated with small-cap and emerging equity funds, it's crucial to assess your risk tolerance and ensure it aligns with your investment horizon and financial goals. Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to manage risk exposure effectively.

Regular Review: Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your long-term financial objectives. Monitor the performance of individual funds and assess their consistency in delivering returns relative to their benchmarks and peers.

Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to evaluate your investment strategy comprehensively. A CFP can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon, ensuring your portfolio remains on track to achieve your objectives.

Periodic Rebalancing: Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk profile. Rebalancing involves selling overweight assets and reallocating funds to underweighted ones, ensuring your portfolio remains aligned with your investment objectives.

By implementing these recommendations, you can enhance the effectiveness of your investment strategy and increase the likelihood of achieving your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

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I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 NIPPON INDIA POWER AND INFRA FUND- GROWTH PLAN-GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 INVESCO INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000
Ans: Your portfolio consists of multiple actively managed funds across different categories. While it has a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, there are areas where adjustments can improve diversification and risk management.

Strengths of Your Portfolio
Your long-term investment horizon of 10 years allows for compounding and wealth creation.

You have exposure to different market caps, which provides a balance of stability and growth.

Actively managed funds can generate higher returns compared to passive funds.

Concerns in Your Portfolio
You are holding too many funds, leading to unnecessary duplication. More funds do not always mean better diversification.

Your portfolio has excessive allocation to sectoral funds, which increases concentration risk. If the sector underperforms, your returns will be affected.

Some funds have overlapping holdings, reducing the overall diversification benefit.

You have multiple funds from the same asset management company, limiting exposure to different investment styles.

Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
Retain a well-performing large & mid-cap fund instead of holding multiple funds in this category.

Maintain exposure to small-cap or mid-cap funds but avoid holding multiple funds with similar strategies.

A single focused fund is sufficient. Too many concentrated portfolios increase risk without adding significant benefits.

Reduce exposure to sector-specific funds. While sectoral funds can deliver high returns, they carry higher volatility and depend heavily on the sector’s performance. A more diversified approach is recommended.

Instead of multiple funds in the same category, consolidate into a few high-quality diversified equity funds that provide stable long-term growth.

Include a flexi-cap fund to enhance diversification and give fund managers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.

Final Insights
Your investment approach is well-structured, but simplifying your portfolio will improve returns and make it easier to manage.

Reducing sectoral allocation and consolidating overlapping funds will improve efficiency and stability.

A diversified and well-balanced portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds will ensure long-term growth with controlled risk.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Janak

Janak Patel  |71 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

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I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 NIPPON INDIA POWER AND INFRA FUND- GROWTH PLAN-GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 INVESCO INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000
Ans: Hi Sandeep,

You have mentioned a total of 8 MF schemes for your investment of 28000 per month.
As details regarding your goal and requirement is not available, it is difficult to judge the overall portfolio from that point of view.
The schemes mentioned though are different names but will have a lot of overlap especially when you consider large cap stocks in their portfolio - HDFC Large & Mid / HDFC Large / HFDC Focused 30 and even the 3 Infra funds.

I believe the idea was to diversify your portfolio thru multiple schemes and if so, that is not really achieved.

Assuming you want to invest for over 10 year period, I suggest you keep your portfolio relatively simple with 4-5 schemes - 1 large cap (6000 in HDFC Large is ok), 1 Mid cap (6000 in HDFC Mid-cap or Motilal Oswal Midcap), 1 Small Cap (6000 in Nippon Small cap is ok) and 1 Infra (as you have shown inclination to Infra, 4000 in ICICI Pru Infra is ok) and add 1 Flexicap (6000 in Parag Parikh Flexicap which also has some overseas exposure). This will provide good diversification and less overlap.

This will provide good diversification and asset allocation across market caps.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

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I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FLEXIVAP FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 4000 CONTRA FUND =4000 PLEASE REVIEW
Ans: Your investment approach shows a good mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds. However, there are areas where adjustments can improve risk management and returns.

Review of Existing Portfolio
Large Cap Exposure (Rs 3,000/month)

Large-cap funds offer stability.

The allocation here is low compared to mid and small caps.

A slight increase may help balance volatility.

Large & Mid Cap Exposure (Rs 5,000/month)

This fund gives exposure to both stable and growth-oriented stocks.

Keeping this allocation is fine.

Mid Cap Exposure (Rs 3,000/month)

Mid-cap funds can give high returns but are volatile.

Exposure is reasonable but should not be increased further.

Small Cap Exposure (Rs 5,000/month)

Small caps have high growth potential but also high risk.

Reducing this allocation slightly may help manage risk.

Focused Fund (Rs 3,000/month)

These funds hold fewer stocks, increasing concentration risk.

If risk appetite is low, consider switching to a more diversified fund.

Infrastructure Fund (Rs 3,000/month)

Thematic funds like this are sector-specific.

These are cyclical and may not perform consistently.

If diversification is a priority, this can be switched to a multi-sector fund.

Flexi Cap Exposure (Rs 4,000/month)

Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility across market caps.

This is a good choice and can be continued.

Contra Fund (Rs 4,000/month)

Contra funds follow a contrarian strategy, buying undervalued stocks.

These are good for long-term investing.

Keeping this allocation is fine.

Suggested Adjustments
Reduce small-cap allocation to Rs 3,000/month.

Increase large-cap allocation to Rs 5,000/month.

Consider switching out of the infrastructure fund to a more diversified fund.

If risk appetite is moderate, shift from focused fund to a flexi-cap or large & mid-cap fund.

These changes will improve diversification, reduce risk, and maintain growth potential.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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